Caledonia Argus

China Buffet opens here

Posted: 10/30/02

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

Caledoniaís newest restaurant owner was on his way to Iowa when he passed through town, looking for a location for a new Chinese restaurant. But Rifa Li liked what he saw here, and decided that this was the place for his new China Buffet.

For this interview, Liís comments were translated by an employee at the China Buffet, Liya Xu. Li said that he believed Caledonia was a good location because it does not have a lot of fast food franchises, and has a good customer base with the courthouse and other businesses in the downtown area. He said he spoke to a few of the business owners to see whether his restaurant would be a welcome, and when he heard that it would, the decision was made to make the move to Caledonia.

It may be a sign of the changing times that the site of China Buffet is in the former Albertís Grocery Store, which was a fixture in Caledonia for 60 years. To remodel the space into a restaurant took three months of hard work which included installing a new commercial kitchen and creating a dining area.

A native of China who is now an American citizen, Li has many years of experience in the restaurant business. When he first arrived in the US, he lived in New York City, where he was a cook for 11 years. He traveled to the Midwest for the opportunity to own his own restaurant. Four years ago, he opened China Buffet in Winona, which he still owns. It is currently being run by a manager while Li and his family dedicated themselves to getting the Caledonia restaurant going. The family currently lives in an apartment above the restaurant.

Li is assisted in the restaurant by Xu, and his wife, Sai Feng Yang. They are not yet sure how many people it will take to staff the China Buffet, which is currently open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 pm. on Saturday and Sunday.

Although it is called China Buffet, the restaurant offers menu choices and take-out as well.

Li is happy so far with the reception he has received in Caledonia. People have complimented the food and thanked him for opening the restaurant.

ìThe customers are very nice,î said Li, adding that he appreciates the support he has received from the community.

Top of Page